The unique rituals
The nuns of Brahma dung Chung Ani Gompa follow some rituals that are specific to their own. This includes walking around the chorten (a Buddhist stupa or monument) as part of their daily practice. This ritual symbolizes their devotion, and they accumulate merit by doing so, this also expresses their connection to the divine beings.
Considering the mountain's secluded as well as serene location, the nuns engage in solitary meditation, hoping to have spiritual growth away from worldly distractions. They spend hours in quiet contemplation, through which they achieve inner peace and clarity. In the evening, the nuns shine this gompa with butter lamps and candles which represent wisdom and expel ignorance. The flickering flames of these lamps and candles are said to carry positive intentions.
The stone walls of the nunnery here are inscribed with sacred mantras and also prayer wheels. The nuns spin the prayer wheels while chanting mantras silently. Each rotation of the wheel is considered as reciting the mantras multiple times.
Another meditative practice of the nuns includes making Tsa-Tsa which are small clay or plaster stupas and contain sacred relics or mantras. They also perform prostrations, which are full-body bows while chanting mantras as a form of devotion. The nuns are also well-versed in the art of thangka paintings that depict Buddhist deities, mandalas and sacred symbols. At last, the nuns take retreats in caves and mountains that allow them to deepen their practice by isolating themselves in quiet places for extended times.
The fascinating legends
The Brahma dung Chung Ani Gompa has its share of local legends, just as any other ancient site. Some of the legends that would intrigue your mind would be about the hidden treasure. According to the local folklore, it is said that a great lama while meditating in the gompa had a vision of hidden sacred treasure buried in the monastery. This treasure included gems, relics and ancient scrolls. However, realising that it was not yet the time to reveal its whereabouts to anyone, he left a cryptic message for the future generation. Some curious minds with daring spirits still search the premises of this monastery in hopes of being the lucky person.
Locals also believe that the gompa is protected by guardian spirits, who ensure the safety and well-being of the nuns, protecting them from harm for eternity. The last of the many legends suggests a mysterious cave, said to have been the secret living chamber of an enlightened being. Only those with pure minds and faithful hearts could find the entrance of this cave.
